New surface-modified solid lipid nanoparticles using N-glutaryl phosphatidylethanolamine as the outer shell

Nanoparticles assisted intra and transdermic delivery of antifungal ointment: an updated review

This review paper highlights the trans-dermic delivery of nanoparticles (NPs) based antifungal ointments with the help of nanotechnology. It also describes the novel trans-dermal approach utilizing various nanoparticles which enables an efficient delivery to the target site. This current review gives an overview about past research and developments as well as the current nanoparticle-based ointments. This review also presents data regarding types, causes of infection, and different pathogens within their infection site. It also gives information about antifungal ointments with their activity and side effects of antifungal medicines. Additionally, this review also focuses on the future aspects of the topical administration of nanoparticle-based antifungal ointments. These nanoparticles can encapsulate multiple antifungal drugs as a combination therapy targeting different aspects of fungal infection. Nanoparticles can be designed in such a way that they can specifically target fungal cells and do not affect healthy cells. Nanoparticle based antifungal ointments exhibit outstanding potential to treat fungal diseases. As further research and advancements evolve in nanotechnology, we expect more development of nanoparticle-based antifungal formulations shortly. This paper discusses all the past and future applications, recent trends, and developments in the various field and also shows its bright prospective in the upcoming years.

Preparation, characterization and properties of three different nanomaterials either alone or loaded with nystatin or fluconazole antifungals

Engineered nanoparticles have enabled the development of novel uses, particularly in disease management. In this investigation, we synthesized and studied three distinct nanomaterials: solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNPs), chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs), either alone or loaded with two antifungals, nystatin, and fluconazole. The purpose of this study is to investigate the different properties of the produced nanomaterials, either alone or in combination with antifungals. Drug release studies revealed that about 55% from SLNPs, 43% from CSNPs and 97% from CNTs of nystatin drug were released at the longest time point assessed (12 h). In addition, about 89% from SLNPs, 84% from CSNPs and 81% from CNTs of fluconazole drug were released at the longest time point assessed (12 h). This research will expand the understanding of nanomaterials as a viable technique for the management of different fungal diseases that harm several agricultural crops.

Lysine Decorated Solid Lipid Nanoparticles of Epirubicin for Cancer Targeting and Therapy

Purpose: Cancer is an example of the most important growing diseases in human society and scientists are trying to treat it without considerable side effects on patient’s health. Solid lipids are colloidal nanoparticles that were used in drug delivery due to their several advantages.

Methods: In this work, surface modified targeted solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) were fabricated by nano-homogenizer using tripalmitin glyceride and stearic acid as lipid constituents. The size of nanoparticles and morphological evaluations were surveyed using particle size analyzer, scanning electron microscopy; Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).

Results: The particle size of 148.5 and appropriate polydispersity index were achieved for lipid nanoparticles with an entrapment efficiency of 86.1%. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the coupling of lysine to the free functional group of SLNs. DSC proved the conjugation of amino acid to the surface of carriers. The in vitro epirubicin (EPI) release test exhibited the further controlled release phenomenon for the lysine conjugated nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity assay showed lower IC50 of lysine conjugated SLNs of EPI on the investigated cell line.

Conclusion: These studies showed that the fabricated targeted carrier has a very remarkable anticancer effect on breast cancer cell lines in comparison with pure drug.

Solid Lipid Particles for Lung Metastasis Treatment

Solid lipid particles (SLPs) can sustainably encapsulate and release therapeutic agents over long periods, modifying their biodistribution, toxicity, and side effects. To date, no studies have been reported using SLPs loaded with doxorubicin chemotherapy for the treatment of metastatic cancer. This study characterizes the effect of doxorubicin-loaded carnauba wax particles in the treatment of lung metastatic malignant melanoma in vivo. Compared with the free drug, intravenously administrated doxorubicin-loaded SLPs significantly reduce the number of pulmonary metastatic foci in mice. In vitro kinetic studies show two distinctive drug release profiles. A first chemotherapy burst-release wave occurs during the first 5 h, which accounts for approximately 30% of the entrapped drug rapidly providing therapeutic concentrations. The second wave occurs after the arrival of the particles to the final destination in the lung. This release is sustained for long periods (>40 days), providing constant levels of chemotherapy in situ that trigger the inhibition of metastatic growth. Our findings suggest that the use of chemotherapy with loaded SLPs could substantially improve the effectiveness of the drug locally, reducing side effects while improving overall survival.

β-lactoglobulin-irinotecan inclusion complex as a new targeted nanocarrier for colorectal cancer cells

Beta-lactoglobulin (β-LG) is a lipocalin family member whose general function appears to be solubilizing and transport of hydrophobic molecules. Some properties such as avalability, ease of purification, and peculiar resistance to acidic environments can make β-LG as a carrier for hydrophobic and acid labile drugs for oral administration. In this protein vehicle, drug could be protected in acidic environment of stomach and then released within the basic small intestine. In this study, the potential of β-LG as a nanocarrier for oral delivery of a potent agent in colorectal cancer treatment, irinotecan, was evaluated. The nanoparticle was prepared by the physical inclusion complex method. Size, drug loading, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro drug release at various pH values were investigated. The optimum formulation showed a narrow size distribution with an average diameter of 139.86 ± 13.75 nm and drug loading about 84.33 ± 5.03%. Based on the results obtained from docking simulation of irinotecan-complex, there are two distinct binding sites in this nanocarrier. Cytotoxicity of this nanocarrier on the HT-29 cancer cell line and AGS was measured by MTT assay. The cytotoxicity experiment showed that the drug-loaded nanocarrier was more effective than free drug. The higher release percent of drug from the β-LG complex at pH 7.4 compared to pH 1.2 indicated that the proposed nanocarrier could be introduced as a suitable nanovehicle for labile drugs in acidic medium targeted for colorectal segment.

Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) based hydrogels as novel precipitation and stabilization media for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)

In this work, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) based chemically cross-linked hydrogels are used as novel precipitation and stabilization media for solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) for the first time. The hydrogels and the hybrid thermoresponsive composite hydrogels with SLNs were characterized by SEM, DSC, DLS and rheometric analysis. The results showed that the SLNs obtained directly in the gel matrix by the newly devised method were well-dispersed and remained stable for one month. A remarkable advantage of this approach is that it yields the thermoresponsive nanocomposite hydrogels in a single step. This approach is a significant advancement in the preparation of hybrid thermoresponsive nanocomposite systems based on smart gels and SLNs for their use in biomedical applications.

Ciprofloxacin Controlled-Solid Lipid Nanoparticles: Characterization, In Vitro Release, and Antibacterial Activity Assessment

The objective of this research was to formulate ciprofloxacin (CIP) in solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) in an attempt to develop a controlled drug delivery system. An ultrasonic melt-emulsification method was used for preparing CIP-loaded SLNs. Key findings included that SLNs were successfully produced with average particle sizes ranging from 165 to 320 nm and polydispersity index in the range of 0.18–0.33. High entrapment efficiency values were reported in all formulations. The atomic force scanning microscopic images showed spherical shape with the size range closer to those found by the particle size analyzer. CIP release exhibited controlled-release behavior with various lipids. Ciprofloxacin solid lipid nanoparticles formula containing stearic acid (CIPSTE) displayed the strongest burst effect and the most rapid release rate. The release data revealed a better fit to the Higuchi diffusion model. After storing the CIPSTE formula at room temperature for 120 days, no significant difference in particle size and zeta potential was found. CIP-loaded SLNs exhibited superior antibacterial activity. Incorporation of CIP into SLNs leads to controlled release and a superior antibacterial effect of CIP.

Effect of the moist-heat sterilization on fabricated nanoscale solid lipid particles containing rasagiline mesylate

BACKGROUND

Nanoscale solid lipid particles of rasagiline mesylate (RM) were fabricated by microemulsion technique. The nanoscale particle must be sterile for intravenous administration, and several approaches are available for sterilization. However, the selection of sterilization technique for the fabricated RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles mainly depends on the nature of the drug that needs to be encapsulated and release pattern of the polymer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We have preferred moist heat sterilization, as it is the most convenient and the composition of the carrier and incorporated drug should remain unchanged and the incorporated drug should not leak out of the drug carrier. The physical and chemical stability of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles investigated during sterilization and to determine the average mean particle size, polydispersity index, zeta potential (ZP), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), entrapment efficiency (EE), and drug content after autoclaving.

RESULT

There were no significant changes in the average mean particle size, polydispersity index, ZP, TEM, EE, and drug content of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles after autoclaving (121°C for 20 min [15 lbs]).

CONCLUSION

These observations suggest that the moist heat sterilization by autoclaving is the most suitable method for nanoscale solid lipid formulations.

Active targeted nanoparticles: Preparation, physicochemical characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity effect

In this study, the folate decorated biodegradable poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles were developed for tumor targeting of anticancer agents. Due to the overexpression of the folate receptor on tumor surface, the folate has been efficiently employed as a targeting moiety for various anticancer agents to avoid their non-specific attacks on normal tissues and also to increase their cellular uptake within target cells. Folate conjugate PLGA was synthesized successfully and its chemical structure was evaluated by FTIR, DSC and (1)HNMR spectroscopy. PLGA-folate nanoparticles (PLGA-Fol NPs) were prepared by nanoprecipitation method, adopting PLGA as a drug carrier, folic acid as a targeting ligand and 9-nitrocampthotecin as a model anticancer drug. The average size and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared PLGA-Fol NPs were found to be around 115 ± 12 nm and 57%, respectively. In vitro release profile indicated that nearly 85% of the drug was released in 50 h. The in vitro intracellular uptakes of PLGA-Fol NPs showed greater cytotoxicity on cancer cell lines compared to non-folate mediated carriers.

Multi criteria decision making to select the best method for the preparation of solid lipid nanoparticles of rasagiline mesylate using analytic hierarchy process

The objective of this study was to select best method for the development of rasagiline mesylate (RM) loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles using analytic hierarchy process (AHP). Improper method selection may lead to waste of time, loss of material and financial resources. One of the possibilities to overcome these difficulties, AHP was employed to find the suitable method. In the AHP, a decision of hierarchy was constructed with a goal, criteria, sub-criteria, and alternatives. After constructing the AHP, the expert choice software was used to compute the overall priority of criteria, sub-criteria and alternatives. The best alternative selected was based on the highest priority. Nanoscale solid lipid particles of RM was formulated by the selected microemulsion method (M4) and it shows the particle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential were within acceptable limits. Drug content and entrapment efficiency of the RM-solid lipid nanoparticles were 97.26% and 86.57%, respectively. This study concludes that the AHP was viable and effective tool for selecting a most suitable method for the fabrication of RM loaded nanoscale solid lipid particles.

Novel sulpiride-loaded solid lipid nanoparticles with enhanced intestinal permeability

Background

Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN), novel drug delivery carriers, can be utilized in enhancing both intestinal permeability and dissolution of poorly absorbed drugs. The aim of this work was to enhance the intestinal permeability of sulpiride by loading into SLN.

Methods

A unique ultrasonic melt-emulsification method with minimum stress conditions was used for the preparation of SLN. The mixture of the drug and the melted lipids was simply dispersed in an aqueous solution of a surfactant at a temperature that was 10°C higher than the melting points of the lipids using probe sonication, and was then simultaneously dispersed in cold water. Several formulation parameters were optimized, including the drug-to-lipid ratio, and the types of lipids and surfactants used. The produced SLN were evaluated for their particle size and shape, surface charge, entrapment efficiency, crystallinity of the drug and lipids, and the drug release profile. The rat everted sac intestine model was utilized to evaluate the change in intestinal permeability of sulpiride by loading into SLN.

Results

The method adopted allowed successful preparation of SLN with a monodispersed particle size of 147.8–298.8 nm. Both scanning electron microscopic and atomic force microscopic images showed uniform spherical particles and confirmed the sizes determined by the light scattering technique. Combination of triglycerides with stearic acid resulted in a marked increase in zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and drug loading; however, the particle size was increased. The type of surfactant used was critical for particle size, charge, drug loading, and entrapment efficiency. Generally, the in vitro release profile demonstrated by all formulations showed the common biphasic mode with a varying degree of burst release. The everted sac model showed markedly enhanced sulpiride permeability in the case of the SLN-loaded formulation. The in situ results showed a very good correlation with the in vitro release data.

Conclusion

Incorporation of sulpiride into SLN results in enhanced intestinal permeability of sulpiride, that may in turn increase overall oral absorption of the drug. The superior attributes of the prepared SLN, specifically the high particle size uniformity and drug loading capacity, is considered novel, especially given the simplicity and modest nature of the sonication method used.

Preparation, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of tanshinone IIA solid dispersions with silica nanoparticles

We prepared solid dispersions (SDs) of tanshinone IIA (TSIIA) with silica nanoparticles, which function as dispersing carriers, using a spray-drying method and evaluated their in vitro dissolution and in vivo performance. The extent of TSIIA dissolution in the silica nanoparticles/TSIIA system (weight ratio, 5:1) was approximately 92% higher than that of the pure drug after 60 minutes. However, increasing the content of silica nanoparticles from 5:1 to 7:1 in this system did not significantly increase the rate or extent of TSIIA dissolution. The physicochemical properties of SDs were investigated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray powder diffraction, and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Studying the stability of the SDs of TSIIA revealed that the drug content of the formulation and dissolution behavior was unchanged under the applied storage conditions. In vivo tests showed that SDs of the silica nanoparticles/TSIIA had a significantly larger area under the concentration-time curve, which was 1.27 times more than that of TSIIA (P < 0.01). Additionally, the values of maximum plasma concentration and the time to reach maximum plasma concentration of the SDs were higher than those of TSIIA and the physical mixing system. Based on these results, we conclude that the silica nanoparticle based SDs achieved complete dissolution, increased absorption rate, maintained drug stability, and showed improved oral bioavailability compared to TSIIA alone.